Income management the way to go in APY Lands

Families spokesman Kevin Andrews’ calls for an income management scheme in South Australia’s APY Lands, denying it is an intervention style plan.

“Communities in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands have been asking for income management for two years but the Federal Government continues to put off helping these people,” Senator Scullion said.

“An income management scheme in the Northern Territory has been successful and trials in Western Australia and Queensland are also successfully helping people manage their money.

“The South Australian and Federal governments should stop bickering and start listening to and helping the people in the APY lands by implementing income management immediately.

“The APY people see it is working over the border in the Territory and they want the same help so let’s give it to them.

“In the Australian today Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin has said the Gillard government would look at income management schemes early next year.

“That is just ridiculous when the people of APY are crying out for it now.

“Income Management helps individuals and families budget so that sufficient money is available to be spent on basics such as rent, food and clothing for their families and children.

“People living in the APY lands want help, income management provides that help yet the government is just going to sit on it hands for another few months before doing anything.

“The APY lands may be a long way from the minister’s office in Canberra but that is no excuse for ignoring their pleas for help, said Senator Scullion.